Monday, January 6, 2020

Movie Review - Bombshell


Bombshell, I think, is a must see movie. Based on fact, it chronicles the downfall of Fox news titan Roger Ailes (played with lecherous perfection by John Lithgow) after multiple accusations of sexual harassment. Gretchen Carlson, former Fox and Friends co-host (Nicole Kidman) got the ball rolling with a lawsuit and then felt shunned, twisting in the wind, waiting for others to substantiate her claim. Headliner Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) grapples with her experiences, her life, her power, and what it could mean to come forward also. And finally, Margot Robbie is Kayla, a composite character. She is a compilation of many women’s stories. She’s the young foot soldier determined to make it big, to help shape America’s moral fabric. As she climbs the ladder,  she begins to question what it really takes – must she relinquish dignity, truly climb on that casting couch.

Carlson basically was the forerunner of the Me-Too movement. Her bravery got women talking (together and to the people who count, the ones who can fire a man with such hubris to think that his word and power will not be questioned). The Fox news building was abuzz with people taking sides, trash talking, starting rumors, etc. Meanwhile, Megyn Kelly was walking a fine line. Charlize Theron is uncanny in her portrayal of Kelly. She shows how victims don’t always recognize the insidiousness of sexual harassment, and that an unspoken culture of silence can help perpetuate it. (EW Jan 2020)
When Megyn Kelly made her decision to accuse Ailes, the Fox owners – the Murdochs – recognized that this was huge,  it was time for Ailes to go. This was not a situation that could just be shoved into a corner. Women were talking and demanding action and respect.

Bombshell handles the whole story in a very classy manner. This isn’t strident. The movie shows the politics of power, the actions of men and women, the culture of men and women in the workplace. The actresses are excellent at portraying the delicate matter of negotiating the workplace, of trying to be successful while keeping ones dignity. I was impressed and you’ll be transfixed by Theron, worthy of Oscar buzz. Kudos all around.



11 comments:

  1. Sounds intriguing Joanne, politics, and how they appear behind the scenes, As you say a "Must Movie".

    Yvonne.

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  2. Hi Joanne - I'll get to see this at some stage ... so glad 1917 did so well last night ... cheers Hilary

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  3. Nice. Sounds like it's thought provoking and well done. Thanks for the review, Joanne.

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  4. Sounds powerful, subtle and interesting. I have been out of the theatres ever since son went off last August. Hope to get into the groove this year.

    Happy 2020 to you and yours!

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    1. this is a good one to start with. That and Little Women

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  5. Sounds like it was really well done and tackled everything.

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    1. yes, I felt it showed the uncertainty for the women. This was new territory.

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  6. Wow, sounds timely, relevant and thought-provoking. Thank you.

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